ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Defence
TROPEX 21 Debrief Naval Commanders at Kochi for OP Discussions
Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of the Naval Staff presided over the debrief of TROPEX-21  at Kochi. The exercise had commenced in January 2021 involving all three Commands of the Indian Navy, the Tri-Services Command at Port Blair, and elements of Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Coast Guard. The Biennial exercise is the largest exercise conducted by Indian Navy aimed to validate its concepts of war-fighting across the entire spectrum of warfare.
The exercise was spread over the vast geographical expanse of Indian Ocean and its adjunct waters, with exercise scenarios centred around the extant geopolitical situation in IOR. The exercise was aimed at validating Indian Navy’s op philosophy across the entire spectrum of conflict-ranging from addressing low end sub- conventional challenges to high end conventional threats. Live combat firings of missiles and torpedoes were also undertaken from warships, aircraft and submarines in complex multi- threat scenarios.
As a prelude to this Theatre Level exercise, a coastal defence exercise – Sea Vigil was conducted in mid Jan 21 which witnessed all stakeholder Ministries of Govt of India, State Governments of all coastal states and UTs, the Coast Guard, Port Authorities, shipping and fishing communities coming together and exercising in tandem, with the Indian Navy as the lead agency. This was followed by an amphibious exercise  in which Indian naval amphibious ships, units of the Indian Army and Indian Air Force undertook joint exercise in the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea, with an aim to validate India’s capabilities to safeguard the territorial integrity of its Island territories. AMPHEX- 21 saw several ‘firsts’ and strengthened joint war fighting capabilities and Standard Operating Procedures towards enhancing operational synergy amongst the Services.
This daylong review of TROPEX 21 by the Chief of the Naval Staff with all Operational Commanders examined the conduct of the exercise with the aim to draw lessons and to review Doctrines and procedures of the Indian Navy along with a realistic audit of the deployment philosophy and fighting capability. The lessons learnt from the exercise will provide the planners accurate assessments to fine tune force structuring requirements, warfighting concepts, operational logistics, as also material and training imperatives.
Ministry of Defence
Mid-year refit review and infrastructure review for Western Naval Command conducted
: Mumbai, September 30, 2021
The Indian Navy’s mid-year refit review  and mid-year infrastructure progress review  meetings for the Western Naval Command were inaugurated by Vice Admiral R. Hari Kumar, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief , Western Naval Command in Mumbai on Tuesday . Held on 28th and 29th September 2021, the reviews were chaired by Vice Admiral Sandeep Naithani, AVSM, VSM, Chief of Materiel  and attended by several representatives from Naval Headquarters, Headquarters Western Naval Command, Naval Dockyard , Naval Ship Repair Yard , Director General Naval Projects, Naval Trial Teams and Material Organisation .
Vice Adm R Hari Kumar, FOC-in-C  giving the inaugural address to all the delegates of the MYRR at Mumbai
After the inaugural address by FOC-in-C West, the COM Vice Admiral Sandeep Naithani, in his address to the review forums, emphasised on 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' by conscious reduction of dependence on foreign OEMs and enhancing in-house technical expertise in ship refits and infrastructure augmentation. One of the focus areas of this year’s review was enhancing and widening shore support to naval ships and submarines.
Vice Adm Sandeep Naithani, Chief of Materiel, chairs the review meetings for WNC with the delegates at Mumbai
In addition, deliberations on refit plans of WNC ships and submarines, discussions on existing maintenance policies, and review of infrastructure augmentation plans to meet the growing requirements of the Navy were also taken up for discussions as agenda points by the forum. Further, support facilities being developed at Naval Base Karwar, were also reviewed by the COM.
A group photo of Vice Adm R Hari Kumar, FOC-in-C  with all the delegates of the mid year refit review meeting in Mumbai
Ministry of Defence
Air Marshal Amit Dev AVSM VrC VSM Charge as Air Officer in Charge Personnel
Air Marshal Amit Dev, AVSMVSM, took over as Air Officer In Charge Personnel, Air Headquarters Vayu Bhawan on 01 November 2019.
The Air Marshal graduated from National Defence Academy in December 1981 and was commissioned in the flying branch of Indian Air Force on 29 December 1982 as a fighter pilot. In a distinguished career spanning nearly 37 years, the Air Officer has flown wide variety of fighter and trainer aircraft in the inventory of IAF. He has a flying experience of more than 2500 hours, including operational flying on MiG- 21 and MiG-27 fighter aircrafts.
During his career, the Air Officer has held numerous important appointments. He was Commanding Officer of a frontline fighter squadron and later on became the Station Commander of the Air Defence Direction Centre. He was Air Officer Commanding of an operational fighter base and Advance HQ, South Western Air Command. As an
Air Vice Marshal he held the appointment of Assistant Chief of Air staff  at
Air Headquarters Vayu Bhawan. Prior to taking over as the Air Officer In Charge Personnel, he held the appointment of Director General Air  at Air HQ wherein he was responsible for the Operations of the IAF. He is an alumnus of Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment, Defence Services Staff College, College of Air Warfare and National Defence College. He holds Masters in Defence Studies from Madras University and M Phil degree from Osmania and Madras University.
In recognition of his distinguished service, the Air Marshal was awarded ‘VishishtSeva Medal’ by the president of India in 2010 and ‘AtiVishishtSevaMedal’ in 2019.
The Air Marshal is married to Mrs Seema Dev and they are blessed with two sons.
AYUSH
Cabinet approves continuation of centrally sponsored scheme National AYUSH Mission
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the continuationof National AYUSH Mission  as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme from 01-04-2021 to 31-03-2026 with financial implication of Rs. 4607.30 crore . The Mission was launched on 15-09-2014.
India possess an unmatched heritage represented by its traditional systems of medicine like Ayurveda, Sidhha, Sowa Rigpa, Unani and also Homeopathy  which are a treasure house of knowledge for preventive, promotive and curative healthcare. The positive features of the Indian systems of medicine namely their diversity and flexibility; accessibility; affordability, a broad acceptance by a large section of the general public; comparatively lesser cost and growing economic value, have great potential to make them providers of healthcare that the large sections of our people need.
Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National AYUSH Mission is being implemented by Ministry of AYUSH, Government of Indiawith the objectives of providing cost effective AYUSH Services, with a universal access through upgrading AYUSH Hospitals and Dispensaries, co-location of AYUSH facilities at Primary Health Centers , Community Health Centers  and District Hospitals , strengthening institutional capacity at the State level through upgrading AYUSH educational institutions, setting up of new upto 50 bedded integrated AYUSH Hospital, AYUSH Public Health programmesand operationalization of 12,500 AYUSH Health and Wellness Centres to provide services of a holistic wellness model based on AYUSH principles and practices so as to empower masses for "self-care" to reduce the disease burden, and out of pocket expenditure.
The Mission is addressing the gaps in health services through supporting the efforts of State/UT Governments for providing AYUSH health services/education in the country, particularly in vulnerable and far-flung areas. Under NAM special focus is given for specific needs of such areas and for allocation of higher resources in their Annual Plans.
The expected outcomes of the mission are as follows:
- Better access to AYUSH healthcare services through increased healthcare facilitiesoffering AYUSH services and better availability of medicines and trained manpower,
- Improvement in AYUSH education through a well-equipped enhanced number ofAYUSH Educational institutions,
- To focus on reducing communicable/non-communicable diseases through targetedpublic health programmes using AYUSH systems of Healthcare.
Special Service and Features
3 Day mini Philatelic exhibition at Anna Salai Post Office
As a part of pre event activities of AMRITPEX 2023, a mini exhibition was inaugurated at Philatelic Bureau, Anna Road Head Post Office – 600 002 on 26.01.2023. The exhibition was inaugurated by Shri B. Selvakumar, Chief Postmaster General, Tamilnadu Postal Circle. Shri G. Natarajan, Postmaster General, Chennai City Region, Shri B. Arumugam, Director Postal Services , Tamilnadu Circle were present during this occasion. In this exhibition, exhibits of stamps and special covers on various themes like GI tag products, Unsung heroes of Freedom Struggle of Tamilnadu, India & International Relationships, etc are displayed. During this event Desk calendar, Booklet on Musical Instruments of Wandering Minstrels, Booklet on Terracotta Temples in India and Booklet on Permanent Commission to Women Officers in Indian Army were released. Philatelists, Students and General Public are requested to utilise this opportunity to buy and preserve these special covers issued recognising GI products and unsung heroes from Philately Bureau, Chennai. The mini exhibition will be held upto 28.01.2023.
Ministry of Defence
BSc  Nursing course commences with lamp lighting ceremony at Army Hospital 
BSc  Nursing course for students of College of Nursing commenced with the lamp lighting ceremony at Army Hospital  in New Delhi on March 06, 2021. The ceremony witnessed 30 budding nursing cadets don the uniform to begin their professional journey.
Lt Gen Joy Chatterjee, Commandant, Army Hospital , was the Chief Guest of the ceremony. He gave away the prizes to the students of College of Nursing-N/Cdt Bhawna Subba and N/Cdt Reeshma of IV Year. N/Cdt Arshpreet Kaur and N/Cdt Mahak Kamboj of III Year, N/Cdt Biji MR & N/Cdt Indrakshi of II Year BSc  for securing first and second ranks respectively in their classes of BSc Nursing  final Delhi University examination. Lt Gen Joy Chatterjee stressed on the fact that the students need to stay abreast of the latest advances in healthcare and, at the same time, focus on soft skills and professional touch.
At the ceremony, the traditional lamp was lit and relayed from Maj Gen Sonali Ghosal, Additional Director General, Military Nursing Service  to Maj Gen Smita Devrani, Principal Matron to Col Rekha Bhattachaya, Principal, who in turn passed it to the teachers. The teachers, then, transferred the light to the first year nursing students, denoting the transfer of knowledge and wisdom from one generation to the next.
Ministry of Tourism
14.62 million Jobs created by Tourism sector in last 4 years: Shri K. J. Alphons
The Minister of State  for Tourism Shri. K J Alphons said that the Tourism Sector alone has created 14.62 million job opportunities in the country in the last four years. Addressing the media in New Delhi today, the Minister further elaborated that the Tourism sector provides opportunities to skilled as well as unskilled job seekers thereby providing employment to all sections of the society.
The Minister added that Tourism Ministry is now focusing on promotional activities to bring attention of the tourists about the unexplored areas of North Eastern states of India, like the largest cave network of Asia which is in Meghalaya. Refuting the recent reports in the media on ‘Safety of women in India’, the Minister ascertained that India is safe for tourists and added that Ministry also has taken various initiatives to ensure safety and security of tourists. In view of this, the Minister said that guidelines on Safety and Security of Tourists have been issued for States/UTs and 14 states already have Tourist Police in one form or other.
The Tourism Minister added that inorder to promote the country abroad, the Ministry has conducted several ‘Incredible India road shows’ in the US, Europe and few upcoming ones in China and Nordic countries. He further added that three theme based 60 seconds Incredible India videos has been released till date and it has received huge viewership in social media platforms.
The Minister also added that more focus is given to the Cruise Tourism sector with the Tourism Ministry investing Rs. 100 crore and the Shipping Ministry contributing a corpus of Rs. 250 crore to the sector. The cruise ports are being developed at Mumbai where it is along with an entertainment complex, and also Cruise jetties in Goa, Cochin, Chennai and Visakhapatnam.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 Vaccination Update - Day 337
India’s cumulative vaccination coverage crosses 137 Crore landmark milestone
More than 69 lakh Vaccine doses administered today till 7 pm
India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has crossed 137 Crore landmark milestone  today. More than 69 lakh  Vaccine Doses have been administered till 7 pm today. The daily vaccination tally is expected to increase with the compilation of the final reports for the day by late tonight.
The cumulative coverage of vaccine doses, segregated based on population priority groups, is as follows:
|
|
Cumulative Vaccine Dose Coverage
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
10386222
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
9643246
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
18383939
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
16767491
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
486229583
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
292345400
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
191435002
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
139659142
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
119624058
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
89292106
|
|
Cumulative 1st dose administered
|
|
826058804
|
|
Cumulative 2nd dose administered
|
|
547707385
|
|
Total
|
|
1373766189
Today’s achievement in the vaccination exercise, segregated by population priority groups, is as follows:
|
|
Date: 18th December, 2021 
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
102
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
5722
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
96
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
10776
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
1125800
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
3693360
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
280194
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
1057584
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
170013
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
577450
|
|
1st Dose Administered in Total
|
|
1576205
|
|
2nd Dose Administered in Total
|
|
5344892
|
|
Total
|
|
6921097
The vaccination exercise as a tool to protect the most vulnerable population groups in the country from COVID-19 continues to be regularly reviewed and monitored at the highest level.
Special Service and Features
PM CARES Comes to help for those children who lost their parents in pandemic MoS V. Muraleedharan distributed benefits in Thiruvananthapuram
Minister of State for External Affairs Shri. V. Muraleedharan today distributed the benefits under PM Cares for Children to eligible children in Thiruvananthapuram district at a function held at the Civil Station, 11 children from the district who lost their parents in the Covid epidemic received benefits from the MoS. Eight of them are under 18 years of age. A letter with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's message, a pass book of a PM Cares account for financial benefits, a health card to ensure health care and free treatment and educational benefits were distributed to the children . A total of 112 children from Kerala are receiving the assistance. District Collector Smt. Navjot Singh Khosa was present on the occasion.
-ND-
(Visitor Counter : 8
Prime Minister's Office
PM to inaugurate new metro line on December 25, reducing travel time between Noida and South Delhi
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, will inaugurate a stretch of the new Magenta line of the Delhi Metro on 25th December. The line connects Botanical Garden in Noida with Kalkaji Mandir in Delhi. It will significantly reduce travel time between Noida and South Delhi. On this occasion, the Prime Minister will also address a public meeting in Noida.
The new line represents one more link in the Union Government’s push to modernize urban transport in the country. It represents the drive towards technology-centric, and environment-friendly mass rapid urban transport systems.
This is the third metro line to be inaugurated by the Prime Minister in 2017. He had earlier dedicated the Kochi Metro to the nation in June, and the Hyderabad Metro in November. As on both those occasions, the Prime Minister will travel on a stretch of this new line, before arriving at the venue of the public meeting.
Shri Narendra Modi has often used the metro to travel for engagements in the National Capital Region. In January 2016, the Prime Minister, and the then French President Francois Hollande travelled from Delhi to Gurgaon, to jointly lay the foundation stone of the Headquarters of the International Solar Alliance. More recently, in April 2017, the Prime Minister, and the Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull travelled by metro to the Akshardham Temple.
In keeping with the objective of enhancing connectivity through mass rapid transit systems, the Union Government has launched nine metro projects covering a stretch of nearly 165 kilometers over the past three and a half years. Five new Metro Rail Projects covering a total length of over 140 kilometers have been approved. Metro Lines of around 250 kilometer length are proposed to be commissioned over the next two years.
Special Service and Features
AIR WARRIORS ON 700 KM CYCLE JOURNEY COMMEMORATING
GOLDEN JUBILEE OF 1971 WAR VICTORY
16 Air warriors from Air Force Station, Thanjavur have embarked upon a 700 km cycling trip from Thanjavur to Mahabalipuram and back. Group Captain PA Shah Vayu Sena Medal, Station Commander Air Force Station, Thanjavur flagged off this expedition on 10 Sep 2021 from the station. The route include Kumbakonam, Chidambaram, Pondicherry, Mahabalipuram and Velankanni and culminate at Air Force Station, Thanjavur on 18th September 2021 i.e., tomorrow.
The goal is to commemorate India’s extraordinary military operation in 1971 and the selfless sacrifice, dedication and devotion the Indian Armed Forces personnel in preserving our freedom.
As the country celebrates 50 years since our victory in the 1971 Indo-Pak war, the Central Government has dedicated this year to celebrate ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’ i.e., Golden Jubilee year of victory, with a series of programmes and activities to mark this occasion.
In a spectacular display of military co-ordination, precise planning and execution with a determined resolve to succeed, the Indian Armed Forces emerged victorious in one of the shortest yet most convincing and one sided battles in the subcontinent from 03 to 16 December 1971.(
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Mandatory online certification of disability through UDID portal w.e.f. 01.06.2021.
The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities , Government of India has issued Gazette notification SO 1736 dated 05.05.2021 making it mandatory for all States/UTs to grant certificate of disability through online mode only using UDID portal w.e.f. 01.06.2021.
The Central Government notified the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Rules, 2017 under RPwD Act, 2016 on 15.06.2017. Rule 18 mandates the Central Government to appoint a date making it mandatory for the State/UTauthorities to issue certificate of disability through online mode.The Central Advisory Board on Disability headed by Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment discussed this issue in its last meeting held on 26.11.2020 and recommended mandatory online disability certification from 01.04.2021. However, keeping in view the elections in some of the States/UTs during March-April, 2021, online certification has now been made mandatory from 01.06.2021.Department of Health & Department dealing with disability matters in States/UTs have been advised to take immediate steps to ensure compliance of this notification.
The UDID project is under implementation since 2016. Concerned authorities of all States/UTs have been imparted training by DEPwD for working on the UDID portal . The States/UTs have been given adequate time to convert to online mode. It will ensure complete digitization of certification of disability from 01.06.2021, besides providing a viable mechanism for cross-checking genuineness of the certificate to achieve pan-India validity, and simplifying the process for the benefit of Divyangjan.
Prime Minister's Office
PM congratulates badminton team for winning Silver medal in Birmingham CWG
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated the badminton team for winning Silver medal in the Birmingham CWG 2022.
In a series of tweets, the Prime Minister said;
"Congratulations to the Indian badminton team of @srikidambi, @satwiksairaj, @buss_reddy, @lakshya_sen, @Shettychirag04, Treesa Jolly, Aakarshi Kashyap, @P9Ashwini, Gayatri Gopichand and @Pvsindhu1 for winning the Silver medal in the Birmingham CWG. Proud of their accomplishment."
"Badminton is among the most admired sports in India. The Silver medal in the CWG will go a long way in making the game even more popular and ensuring more people pursue it in the times to come. "
Special Service and Features
G20 Jan Bhagidari Event - Financial Literacy programme for Tea Garden workers – Nilgiris District - by Reserve Bank of India
As part of the G20 Jan Bhagidaari Events, a Financial Literacy programme for Tea Garden workers was conducted at Kothagiri, Nilgiris District in collaboration with Tea Board, Zonal Office, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, Coonoor. Around 120 Tea Growers, Tea Garden workers, SHG members and traders attended the event. The event was chaired by Regional Director, Reserve Bank of India, Chennai. Member, Tea Board, Additional Director and senior officials from Tea Board, District Development Manager , NABARD, Lead District Manager , Nilgiris District and senior bankers attended the event.
At the outset, the importance of the G20 forum in shaping and strengthening global architecture and governance was highlighted, and India’s role in the promotion of our theme - "One Earth, One Family, One Future" was discussed.
During the inaugural address, the Regional Director mentioned the various initiatives taken by Reserve Bank to extend financial services to unbanked population. She advised the audience to exercise caution while using the digital financial services and encouraged the women to form Self Help Groups . Banks have extended loan sanction letters to SHG members during the event. Grievances raised by the tea growers were noted and the Regional Director advised the banks to extend kisan credit card to all the eligible farmers.
Importance of saving and borrowing from regulated financial entities were emphasised. Sessions covering digital financial products, security features of banknotes and note refund rules were discussed.
G20 merchandise kits  and informative pamphlets were distributed to the participants.